Transformations of the Graph

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 88 views

Introduction

Logarithmic functions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and graphing them is an essential skill for students and professionals alike. In this article, we will explore how to graph the function $f(x) = \log_2 x$ and then use transformations to graph the given function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ . We will also determine the vertical asymptote and the domain of the given function using the graphs.

Graphing $f(x) = \log_2 x$

The function $f(x) = \log_2 x$ is a logarithmic function with base 2. To graph this function, we can start by plotting a few points. Since the domain of the function is all positive real numbers, we can choose values of $x$ greater than 0.

$x$	$f(x) = \log_2 x$
1	0
2	1
4	2
8	3

Plotting these points, we can see that the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ is a curve that increases as $x$ increases. The graph has a vertical asymptote at $x = 0$ , since the function is undefined at this point.

Transformations of the Graph

To graph the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ , we can use transformations of the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ . The function $g(x)$ is a horizontal shift of the graph of $f(x)$ by 8 units to the left.

Horizontal Shift

A horizontal shift of a graph is a transformation that moves the graph to the left or right. In this case, the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ is shifted 8 units to the left to obtain the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ .

Graphing $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$

Using the transformations of the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ , we can graph the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ . The graph of $g(x)$ is a horizontal shift of the graph of $f(x)$ by 8 units to the left.

Vertical Asymptote

The vertical asymptote of the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is the horizontal line $x = -8$ . This is because the function is undefined at this point, and the graph approaches this point as $x$ approaches $-8$ from the right.

Domain of the Function

The domain of the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-8$ . This is because the function is defined for all values of $x$ greater than or equal to $-8$ , and the graph approaches the vertical asymptote at $x = -8$ .

Conclusion

In this article, we have graphed the function $f(x) = \log_2 x$ and then used transformations to graph the given function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ . We have also determined the vertical asymptote and the domain of the given function using the graphs. The vertical asymptote of the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is the horizontal line $x = -8$ , and the domain of the function is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-8$ .

Vertical Asymptote and Domain of the Function

Vertical Asymptote: The vertical asymptote of the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is the horizontal line $x = -8$ .
Domain of the Function: The domain of the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-8$ .

Graphing Logarithmic Functions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Graphing $f(x) = \log_2 x$ : The graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ is a curve that increases as $x$ increases. The graph has a vertical asymptote at $x = 0$ .
Transformations of the Graph: The function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is a horizontal shift of the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ by 8 units to the left.
Graphing $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ : The graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is a horizontal shift of the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ by 8 units to the left.

Conclusion

Graphing Logarithmic Functions: Graphing logarithmic functions is an essential skill for students and professionals alike.
Transformations of the Graph: Transformations of the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ can be used to graph the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ .
Vertical Asymptote and Domain of the Function: The vertical asymptote of the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is the horizontal line $x = -8$ , and the domain of the function is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-8$ .
Q&A: Graphing Logarithmic Functions =====================================

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the vertical asymptote of the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ ?

A: The vertical asymptote of the graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is the horizontal line $x = -8$ . This is because the function is undefined at this point, and the graph approaches this point as $x$ approaches $-8$ from the right.

Q: What is the domain of the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ ?

A: The domain of the function $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is all real numbers greater than or equal to $-8$ . This is because the function is defined for all values of $x$ greater than or equal to $-8$ , and the graph approaches the vertical asymptote at $x = -8$ .

Q: How do I graph the function $f(x) = \log_2 x$ ?

A: To graph the function $f(x) = \log_2 x$ , you can start by plotting a few points. Since the domain of the function is all positive real numbers, you can choose values of $x$ greater than 0. Plotting these points, you can see that the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ is a curve that increases as $x$ increases.

Q: What is the difference between the graphs of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ and $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ ?

A: The graph of $g(x) = \log_2(x + 8)$ is a horizontal shift of the graph of $f(x) = \log_2 x$ by 8 units to the left. This means that the graph of $g(x)$ is the same as the graph of $f(x)$ , but shifted 8 units to the left.

Q: How do I determine the domain of a logarithmic function?

A: To determine the domain of a logarithmic function, you need to find the values of $x$ for which the function is defined. For a function of the form $f(x) = \log_b x$ , the function is defined for all values of $x$ greater than 0.

Q: What is the significance of the vertical asymptote in a logarithmic function?

A: The vertical asymptote of a logarithmic function is the horizontal line that the graph approaches as $x$ approaches a certain value. This value is called the vertical asymptote, and it is the point at which the function is undefined.

Q: How do I graph a logarithmic function with a base other than 2?

A: To graph a logarithmic function with a base other than 2, you can use the same techniques as for graphing a function with base 2. However, you will need to adjust the graph to reflect the new base.

Q: What is the relationship between logarithmic and exponential functions?

A: Logarithmic and exponential functions are inverse functions. This means that if $f(x) = \log_b x$ , then $f^{-1}(x) = b^x$ . This relationship is important in many areas of mathematics and science.

Q: How do I use logarithmic functions in real-world applications?

A: Logarithmic functions are used in many real-world applications, including finance, science, and engineering. For example, logarithmic functions are used to model population growth, chemical reactions, and electrical circuits.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when graphing logarithmic functions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when graphing logarithmic functions include:

Not checking the domain of the function
Not identifying the vertical asymptote
Not using the correct base for the logarithm
Not adjusting the graph for the new base

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your graphs of logarithmic functions are accurate and helpful.